F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Haas needs to score points with two cars - Grosjean

Romain Grosjean says the Haas F1 Team needs to score points with its two cars in 2017, if it is to move up the order in the Constructors’ standings.

The Frenchman enters the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix having secured all 29 points amassed by the US team in its maiden Formula One campaign.

Although his team-mate Esteban Gutierrez finished just outside the points-paying positions in 11th five times this year, the Mexican was not retained by Haas for 2017.

Asked to rate Gutierrez by reporters at Yas Marina Circuit, Grosjean said: “I can tell you that Esteban is very fast in qualifying, he’s got good pace over one lap clearly, he is much faster than what people are thinking.

“In the race, he’s been a bit struggling this year. He did not do any race last year [Gutierrez served as Ferrari test driver in 2015].

“But for the team you need the two cars to score points. Not in an equal manner as someone may have a bit of luck one day and have a really good result, but you need for the constructors' championship to be able to score more points with the two cars.”

When pointed to him that Gutierrez has suffered his fair share of reliability issues on his return to F1, Grosjean believes setbacks even out over the course of the season.

“Over 21 races, there are always some races where you'll be unlucky and some where you'll get lucky. It balances itself.”

Grosjean is set to partner Kevin Magnussen in 2017, after the latter signed a multi-year deal with the American outfit. His future team-mate believes the Dane has what it takes to help move Haas forward.

“He’s got some great experience from McLaren and from Renault,” Grosjean added.

“He's shown that he's a racer, in Singapore and in Russia holding a position with a car that did not have the pace to be there. He managed to keep the position.

“That's what the team wants. He's a great driver so I'm looking forward to [working with him].”

Haas is currently eighth in the Constructors' championship, 34 points behind seventh-placed Toro Rosso.

Grosjean column: Magnussen and THAT crash in Brazil

Chris Medland's 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

FEATURE: Hamilton v Rosberg: 2016 F1 drivers' title permutations

TECHNICAL: Under the skin of the McLaren-Honda MP4-31

2017 driver line-ups so far

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

12 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago